Neighborhood Watch

900 Degrees Done After Four Months; Taka Taka Opens Thursday

Chelsea/Hell’s Kitchen: After statistics emerged that reported rapes in Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen had increased by 67 percent between 2009 and 2010, some residents are pointing fingers at the growing presence of bars and nightclubs in these hoods. [DNA Info]
East Village: For the entire month of September, both Mermaid Inn locations (and their sister spot, the Mermaid Oyster Bar in Greenwich Village) will be donating $2 from every salmon dish ordered to the Save Bristol Bay campaign, as part of an effort to “raise awareness and support for the conservation of Alaska’s wild salmon.” [Grub Street]
Little Italy: This year, the San Gennaro Festival runs from Thursday, September 15 through Sunday, September 25. To celebrate, Crudo Vineria Con Cucina is offering oysters at $1 to $1.50 each, and a glass of wine, sangria, bellini, or beer for $5 between 3 and 7 p.m. during the ten-day celebration. [Grub Street]

Soho: Starting this Thursday, you can munch on Mexican sushi and Japanese tacos delivered conveniently via conveyor belt at Taka Taka, a new fusion joint coming to 330 West Broadway. Multi-culti drinks are also on the menu, with many cocktails featuring sake, tequila, or mezcal. Their fusion grub will include a salmon, spinach, cheese, chives, and jalapeño maki roll; lobster tempura tacos; and tableside Shabu Shabu. [Thrillist]
Upper East Side: Ever wanted to conjure up the ghosts of Andy Warhol and Jackie O.? Head over to Serendipity 3 this Thursday, September 15, between 11 a.m. and noon for the chance to participate in a séance with professional psychic Char Margolis. The restaurant will display celebrity artifacts to heighten the mood and lure out the spirits of denizens past. [Zagat Buzz]
West Village: 900 Degrees, the new pizzeria from the group behind San Francisco’s Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, may already be mysteriously shuttered. Although no official announcement has been made and their website is still up and running, the restaurant has been dark at night, calls are directed to a full voice-mail box, and a stack of mail can be seen on the counter. [Fork in the Road/VV]
Taste the West Village is happening this Sunday, September 18, from noon until 4 p.m. at the Yard at P.S. 41 (Greenwich Avenue and Charles Street). Festivalgoers will be able to taste signature dishes from neighborhood restaurants, including Redfarm, the Meatball Shop, Bell Book & Candle, Mercadito, Lyon, Left Bank, Spasso, and more. A general admission ticket lets you get six food or drink tastings for $45, while a $100 American Express Premium Ticket comes with reserved seating in a tent, unlimited food and drink tasting, and access to private culinary demonstrations. Tickets here. [Grub Street]
Williamsburg: Mole is offering a special five-course tequila pairing menu from Monday, September 19, through Wednesday, September 21, for $60 per person (not including tax and tip). Pairings include their Cochinita Pibil (shredded pork marinated in axiote paste and roasted in banana leaves) with a Milagro Blanco tequila on the rocks, and fish tacos with a Herradura margarita. [Grub Street]

900 Degrees Done After Four Months; Taka Taka Opens Thursday